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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2019 20:34:05 GMT
Pretty sure the presenter just said “it’s good that people over here can see basketball”... That's the kind of crap that makes me wonder if it's worth watching on telly. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2019 20:50:30 GMT
So he basically crapped on the BBL?
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Post by RaidersFan92 on Jan 17, 2019 20:51:15 GMT
Have to acknowledge to crap on it don’t you?
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Post by SamH on Jan 18, 2019 1:10:36 GMT
We have had some dramatic games over the years and that was another one! I bet half the fans didn't understand what goaltending is and thus were confused by the result. Silver is talking about moving to Paris from next year so that might be it for London for a while - though its a great money spinner for the league but I guess Paris would be too. The media seemed more interested in reporting which footballers were there than anything else.  |
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Post by DefyingGravity on Jan 18, 2019 9:08:31 GMT
The only time I considered going was when the Raptors were playing, however it just isn't affordable for us to go.
I agree that I imagine the majority of the crowd had no idea what was going on for most of the game, let alone what goaltending is. How many free or heavily discounted tickets are normally given out?
Also it appears that even in NBA London games we cannot get away from the half time "entertainment" of dunkers.
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Post by LTFan on Jan 18, 2019 10:09:12 GMT
I've written lots and lots and lots about the NBA this week, but is anyone from this parish actually going? Am I imagining it or is the enthusiasm from people who regularly go to basketball on the wane for this annual event? I went years ago but I haven’t been able to get tickets since. I don’t think interest is decreasing, quite the oppersite. I think the issue is more around it being so pupular actual basketball fans, those who aren’t a fan for just one day a year, can’t get tickets. |
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Post by LTFan on Jan 18, 2019 10:15:19 GMT
We have had some dramatic games over the years and that was another one! I bet half the fans didn't understand what goaltending is and thus were confused by the result. Silver is talking about moving to Paris from next year so that might be it for London for a while - though its a great money spinner for the league but I guess Paris would be too. The media seemed more interested in reporting which footballers were there than anything else. Yeah, what an ending. Given it all happened within the final second of play it was confusing for those who follow basketball let alone those who don’t, so I suspect a lot of people had no idea what happened. I was watching it at home with a friend who before the game put a bet on Knicks winning by 1 to 2 points at odds of 13/1... and up until 0.4 seconds from the end he was going to win that bet. |
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Post by SamH on Jan 18, 2019 12:06:45 GMT
The other 'story' the media have picked up on is the Enes Kanter political one and the fact he didn't travel. The report I read led into it with "both teams were missing star players" then mentioned Wall missing for the Wizards and I was expecting it to say Porzingis for the Knicks, but it only talked about Kanter (hardly a star!)
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Post by Richyyy on Jan 18, 2019 16:11:02 GMT
I also went to one (possibly two) of these years ago as well but haven't been in ages. They've somehow managed to achieve the dual feat of making the tickets wildly expensive and difficult to get hold of. I also tend to find the atmosphere at these games absolutely terrible. There aren't many people there who are specifically fans of the two teams involved, so there are very few people who give a damn who wins, which inevitably makes things a bit tepid; unless you spend a fortune you're probably up in the gods, so your view of the game is likely worse than it'd be on TV; and the general NBA approach of having 398692 timeouts per team often kills a lot of the momentum and excitement for me.
That said, if I could get tickets one year for something vaguely reasonable, and the teams weren't the absolute garbage pair that they brought over this season, I'd give it another shot. It's still a live NBA game without having to fly at least 3,000 miles over an ocean.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 19, 2019 13:11:05 GMT
Slightly off topic but biggest NCAA div1 game of the season so far today. The best performing team (Virginia) at the most talented team (Duke). Elite talent on show with Coach K's diaper dandies plus the Cavs Kyle Guy who imo has been the best catch and shoot Gunner in college this season
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Post by connors on Jan 22, 2019 9:53:08 GMT
We've occasionally had chats on here about what would improve the NBA. Usual stuff about time outs (reducing them in every way) and end of game scenarios. In general the time it takes to watch a FIBA game seems much more in line with TV and audiences these days.
One thing though I would (re) adopt from the NBA though into FIBA rules is the jump ball!! Bring it back for tie ups between two players. They don't take long and they re-ward the defensive player and create interesting offensive/defensive challenges near the basket.
I was playing in a game last week and an annoying guard had the cheek to sneak up on me whilst I was slowly trying to back his team mate down in the post. He did a great job but couldn't quite rip the ball......result was sideline to us due to that poxy arrow being in our favour. Rubbish.
Bring back the jump ball!
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Post by SamH on Jan 22, 2019 13:25:21 GMT
I remember when they brought the arrow in, never did like it. Have seen games decided by which way the arrow happened to be pointing in the final seconds where there's been a tie-up before, not good. The jump ball is a skill - sometimes you see a shorter player win it against a taller player because of their timing and athleticism, and that skill is what should decide who gets possession (I know a player can tip it the an opposing player but you get my drift!)
Improve the NBA by fewer time outs for sure. I'd like to say fewer referee replay reviews too but I do think its important they get the calls right in close games - it just feels like they take so long over them, surely it should be possible for them to watch it in slow motion just once or twice and make the call straight away.
One thing now is how the game is played - its all three point shooting, often from way beyond the line. Today's players just seem so capable of knocking down shots from range - perhaps extend the 3 point line out a bit or change the contact rules to encourage more driving and post up play. Its amazing for me that this sport has always had a stigma of being for 'tall' people yet the big man now has been forced to learn how to shoot from distance to justify his place in the game. The traditional post up 5 spot is almost non-existent and where it is still evident, all these guys now are multi-dimensional players who can shoot and dribble as well. I'd like to see more of a balance of the inside-outside game. I'd like to see Joel Embiid's Olajuwon type moves in the post, not launching threes. Just because he can, doesn't mean he should. So yeah something to affect how the game is structured and get more inside activity would be good. Every day it seems a new record is being set for made 3's, attempted 3's, 3's in a quarter, 3's made by one player etc. But none of it really excites me because for every game like that you have a game where its just a barrage of long range bricks being lobbed up and it's not pretty. |
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Post by SamH on Jan 22, 2019 13:27:23 GMT
Oh and since everyone loves long range shooting, why not trial a 4 point line in the all star game, just for fun? Not to bring it in to the real game ever, but maybe for the all star game? Guys jack up shots in that anyway and from the sort of range the line would go so at least this might make it a bit more interesting.
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Post by LTFan on Jan 22, 2019 13:57:10 GMT
Oh and since everyone loves long range shooting, why not trial a 4 point line in the all star game, just for fun? Not to bring it in to the real game ever, but maybe for the all star game? Guys jack up shots in that anyway and from the sort of range the line would go so at least this might make it a bit more interesting. I watched an interview with Larry Bird the other day and this was sort of discussed. He said that when the 3 point line was introduced in 1979 (his rookie season) it was considered a gamble of a shot, but these days so many players make the shot with ease. And now we’re seeing more and more ‘long 3s’ in each game. So although the ‘5 point spot’ in the British Basketball All-Stars Championship is sometimes mocked I can actually see a world where it’s introduced into the NBA All-Star Game, and maybe even regular play eventually. |
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Post by SamH on Jan 23, 2019 18:49:54 GMT
I think I saw that interview - was it the one conducted by some footballer? I didn't quite get that. But its always good to hear what Larry Legend has to say. The idea of a 4 point line for me is definitely gimmicky and could never be introduced to the game proper, but for the all star game why not? Or yeah make it 5 point hot spots or something. Guys shoot from way down town in that game anyway so it wont make much difference, only it will be more fun when they hit them.
Watching a lot of OKC as I do, I have to say its a pleasure watching Steven Adams - he's more of an inside player in the traditional mold. Strong, solid and has good post moves - why aren't there more guys like him around? You know what else I miss - the extreme height players, guys 7'3 or over who could actually play. Guys like Rik Smits, Arvydas Sabonis, Yao Ming, Dikembe Mutombo. Even Big Gheorge Mureson had a couple of decent seasons. There are a couple of guys in that height range around now but they don't do a lot. To see guys that tall who actually had footwork, shooting ability and could pass out and play D was great. Not gonna put Shawn Bradley in that mix but he did provide comedy too!
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Post by Richyyy on Jan 24, 2019 0:22:54 GMT
The problem is that at this point they need to enlarge the court, and the NBA can't do that without taking out at least one row of premium seats (which also isn't always straightforward depending on the design of the arena). The three-point shot is already shorter and easier in the corners but they can't take it back any further down there because there wouldn't be room to stand between the arc and the sideline. If you turn it into a true arc and cut out the corner three entirely, that would be a much more significant change. But we're definitely reaching the stage where they're going to start talking about changes again. At some point bombing and bombing and bombing of threes gets tedious.
They also need to do something about guys 'drawing' fouls on perimeter shots. You shouldn't be able to make a completely unnatural motion in order to make sure the defender hits you. We've seen it a hell of a lot on threes this year.
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Post by connors on Jan 24, 2019 7:08:06 GMT
I'd be a big fan of a 4 or 5pt line for the All Star game but I would also introduce a significant prize for winning teams charity of choice to try and encourage something resembling defence!
Generally in sport things go in cycles. Should a Shaq like player emerge from the college ranks then in theory he would cause utter chaos and destruction in the NBA (particularly if he could shoot FTs!). There would be nobody to guard them on a lot of teams and those teams that had such players would need them on the court and then have to find ways to include them in the offense.
Phil Jackson at the Lakers often would stay big against early versions of small ball. In fact sometimes he would double down and not only have Bynum/Gasol but also Odom on. They would hammer those small ball line ups on the offensive boards.
What are the chances though of such a player evolving? We should also not look back with rose tinted glasses too much........lets be honest in the prime era of big men in the NBA there were also a lot of 7ft stiffs at the end of each bench who were there to give 6 fouls against the likes of Shaq, Dream, Ewing, Kareem etc etc.
Sam - "some footballer" was Arsenal/Barca/France legend Thierry Henry. Certainly one of the finest to play in the Premier League and in general in recent years (and I am a Spurs fan!!). He is a good friend of Tony Parkers and was often (ironically) seen supporting "Spurs" in Texas post the football season. I also recall he was a regular, like many prem league stars, at NBA games in London. I think he was doing a series of interviews with other famous sporting types.
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Post by LTFan on Jan 24, 2019 13:43:44 GMT
I think I saw that interview - was it the one conducted by some footballer? I didn't quite get that. But its always good to hear what Larry Legend has to say. The idea of a 4 point line for me is definitely gimmicky and could never be introduced to the game proper, but for the all star game why not? Or yeah make it 5 point hot spots or something. Guys shoot from way down town in that game anyway so it wont make much difference, only it will be more fun when they hit them. Yes, that was the one. As for a 4 point or 5 point shot being introduced into regular play... yes it would probably be seen as gimmicky. But probably no more so than when the 3 point shot was introduced. |
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Post by connors on Jan 25, 2019 7:22:38 GMT
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/basketball/46959407I missed this until I saw it on Sam Neters weekly e-mail. Apparently there is a chance the NBA game in London will move to Paris next season. From a purely financial perspective I cannot believe it will be any more successful in Paris. It sells out in minutes here and gets very good coverage on mainstream media. I never really bought in to the bull **** from the NBA about expanding the game globally in some sort of altruistic way. I genuinely don't think they give a rats arse (and why should they) about the state of British Basketball. All that matters is whether these games have a market and would it be beneficial to them and their owners to have a team permanently based here. Again I would say London would be a more suitable destination commercially than Paris but thats based on gut feel and not facts and figures. Clearly France is a far more fertile breeding ground for basketball talent and NBA players. Staging a game there may be a long term benefit it that regard. Would be a shame but ironically if for some reason moving it to Paris changed the game to a weekend it would make it easier for me to take my son to watch.
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Post by SamH on Jan 25, 2019 11:39:40 GMT
So to reply to a few points here:
I think yes, if a Shaq type player emerges that would change things but I reckon these days kids in school and college, regardless of size, are working on their long game so even if a Shaq type came in he probably would be able to shoot them. Its like Embiid, he's the closest think to Olajuwon we've seen but you never saw Hakeem launching 3s (well not often). You could argue that its an extra strand to Embiid's game and therefore makes him more dangerous as he can score from anywhere, but I personally think he adds more value when he works down low and can kick out to more reliable shooters if need be. But then you have guys like Porzingis and Nowitzki who are really good outside shooters, so where can they add more value? Outside shots generally lead to long rebounds so its not like you need a big camped under the basket to get 2nd chance points on the missed threes. It's an interesting evolvement and I think we just have to see what happens over the next decade or so.
Sorry, not into football at all so don't care how decorated he is, he's still just 'some footballer' to me! 
LT Fan - I disagree the 3 point line coming in would have been viewed as gimmicky. At the time the thinking was that it would balance up the value of the smaller player against that of the big man. Guards were always able to shoot from distance but got no extra reward for this skill than what the big man got for an easy dunk. It's absolutely fundamental for me that the line is there - the sport feels incomplete without it (try a video game on a 1960s court and you'll see what I mean!) but I don't think you can then take that to another level and say 'but this guy can hit from even further out so he deserves more reward again' if anything I'd go the other way and say points in the paint only get you 1 point but that would cause uproar! 
And basketball moving to Paris - I wonder if this is to link in with the 2024 Olympics in some way? I do think Silver is passionate about developing global markets. If you watch his press conferences whenever the NBA is overseas, he gets asked a lot of questions like 'will you stage a game in this country or that country?' and he always gives reasoned and detailed answers about where the NBA is in that particular market. He's looking to do more in China and Germany, but doesn't feel there's a market in Africa quite ready for proper NBA games yet, but they have started going there in the off-season with the charity games. I do think he sees the potential of developing markets for the league. In the early 90s when interest grew in Europe it was huge for the league, then later it was China but that can still grow further. Maybe in 10 years time it will be the African market, who knows. He probably thinks the UK market has come as far its ever likely to though... |
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Post by r33 on Jan 25, 2019 14:11:55 GMT
Embiid himself has said he'd like to work more inside. But his situation playing with a complete non-shooting PG in Ben Simmons means that often the Sixers have the 6'10" point guard bring the ball up the floor, work it round the perimeter then the 7ft centre makes an entry pass to the 'point guard' who has sealed his man in the post.... positions?! So Joel ends up out on the perimeter because there isn't room for him and Simmons in the paint.
It's not so much that big men *have* to be shooters today, but it's getting increasingly difficult for slow-footed huge bigs who can't guard the perimeter to stay on the floor. So I think Shaq coming into the league in 2018, would have probably had to have been slimmer and been able to cover more ground, but look at footage of Shaq in college and there's no doubt he could have done it. Hakeem similarly would have shot 3s, it's just the era they played in.
I don't like seeing Harden shoot pull up 3s 20 times a game (something like his last 76 baskets have been unassisted... unreal. Houston are unwatchable) but there's something awesome about every player on a team being able to shoot, pass and dribble. I would hate to see the post game disappear though, by big men and guards a like, one of the purest pleasures in the game of basketball for me is a good wing/guard post up set! Shoutout Prof Andre Miller.
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Post by notoriousbigz on Jan 25, 2019 14:25:00 GMT
He probably thinks the UK market has come as far its ever likely to though... It has... |
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Post by SamH on Jan 25, 2019 16:48:05 GMT
Yeah and I think this is why there are cracks beginning to show between Simmons and Embiid, not helped by Butler's style of play either. That team has all the talent now but I don't think they have the chemistry to win a championship. I wonder if Simmons' role needs to be redefined to get the best out both him and the team? I genuinely think he can be the best player in the league 5 years from now but he needs to adapt his style, or possibly the coaches need to adapt how they use him.
What Harden is doing is incredible, I mean its beyond Jordanesque - but does anyone see the Rockets as a threat in the playoffs? I think when Chris Paul returns James will settle down again and this team will end up being dumped in the 1st or 2nd round. For the remarkable ability Harden is demonstrating I still think he lacks the leadership qualities needed to be legit contenders season on season, so while what he's doing is surpassing even what MJ did, it feels like its still lacking a bit of conviction because he's just a one man show - Mike had an ability to get everyone involved and make people around him better. Even so, 61 in the Garden was fun!
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Post by connors on Jan 26, 2019 21:38:07 GMT
Harden is an amazing scorer for this era. This is an era where playing defence has become almost impossible on wing players. He is very clever but the fouls he gets are sometime beyond a joke. To say be beyond Jordan is of course gonna get my attention!
Jordan would offensively have run riot offensively on this era! Averaging 40 a game no doubt. Possibly a triple double average thrown in for good measure.....
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Post by SamH on Jan 26, 2019 23:05:40 GMT
Probably yeah, but just going on the actual stats it seems to me James is doing stuff not seen since Wilt Chamberlain! The numbers are staggering, but for me the biggest one is how long he's now gone without being assisted on a basket. That kind of thing is going to kill them in the playoffs I reckon. Im surprised no team has just relentlessly put their best 2 defenders on him all game to make someone else beat them, that should slow anyone down - though yeah, defence isn't what it used to be now for the most part.
CP3 is due back any day now, so be interesting to see how that changes things. |
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